10 things you’ll know if you met your partner online

All couples are different but those that meet online do share experiences that no other couples do. If you’re new to online dating, Paul from Whichdate.co.uk details a few things you can look forward to…

1. There’s no such thing as your ‘type’

You may have approached online dating with a wish list in mind but, when you meet the right person, you realise that whether they’re 6ft 2 with green eyes or blonde with a passion for Thai food doesn’t really matter at all. It’s all about compatibility; those deeper values and personality traits that really make the difference. Approach online dating with an open mind and you never know who you could meet.

2. Confidence can be built

Online dating can be terrifying. But, like most things in life, the more you get out there, the easier it will become. Remember that your date is probably just as nervous as you are, take a deep breath, and trust that the real you is more than good enough. It’ll be uncomfortable at first but try to stay in the moment and take the date at face value. Fail often, fail quickly and fail forward. Relish the experience and trust your instincts.

3. You become an online dating champion

You might have been a little apprehensive at first but now you’ve met someone online, you want everyone to know that online dating works! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself urging all your single friends to give it a go too.

4. Most people online, as in life, are good

There will be people you don’t get on with and there will inevitably be bad dates but most people you meet online will offer a pleasant evening’s company, even if sparks don’t fly. Always be safe and act with caution but, at the same time, don’t assume that everyone online has questionable motives or is out to scam you.

5. Actively looking for love is the best way to find

Anyone who met their partner online would agree that actively looking for love worked for them. Don’t wait for fate to strike. If you want to talk to someone, do it. Making the first move ensures you get the most out of online dating – and increases your chances of finding someone special online.

6. Online dating is easier than you think

While there will always be some people who don’t share your sense of humour or aren’t completely right for you, online dating is easier than you might think. It’s the best way to meet people that share your values and personality traits, but you may never have met in the outside world. You can be upfront about what you do and don’t want from a relationship and get to know people before you meet in person.

7. Your 5-year plan is sorted

Okay, your future may change but one of the best things about dating online – especially with eharmony – is that you can find out what your date is looking for in life before meeting. It gets those awkward questions over and done with early. Do you want children? Is marriage important to you? Have you always dreamed of living abroad? When you know that you and your partner want the same things out of life long-term, it makes everything else easier.

8. You defined the relationship by deleting your dating profile

If you’re wondering whether your relationship is serious, deleting your dating profile is an online dating milestone. Not only are you agreeing not to see other people, you’re also agreeing not to try to meet other people. At least not in a dating context. Not only are you deleting all your matches, you’re also deleting that perfectly crafted dating profile. And we all know how much time those take. It’s a serious commitment.

9. Profile photos really matter

You might be celebrating your 12th anniversary together, but your partner will always remember that terrible shirt you were wearing in your profile picture! First impressions count online, just as much as they do in real life, and the first time they see your profile is like the first time they spot you across a room. Don’t be surprised if they remember every detail; the way you were smiling, the other photos you included, the first message you sent – every detail matters.

10. Always be honest about your interests

A few little white lies might not seem important when creating your online dating profile, but they could come back to haunt you. After all, you can hardly complain when your partner takes you to, yet another, Taken film (even though you hate them) if your profile said you love action films. Never try to impress by lying about your interests. You want to date someone who likes you for you, not someone who’ll only date Manchester United fans. And if they skip your profile because you’re more into Ed Sheeran than Eminem, they’re not worth your time in the first place.